By Emily Parsons

Last updated at 09:11, Wednesday, 13 March 2013

An inspirational teenager battling a debilitating illness has been rewarded for her selflessness.

Jodie Vasquez with her award

Jodie Vasquez, of Currock, Carlisle, has Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS), an ‘invisible illness’.

Three years ago she was diagnosed with type 3 hypermobility EDS. While on the outside she may appear healthy, her internal organs are failing one by one.

Since her diagnosis, Jodie, 18, has had to endure her small intestine slowly failing, the removal of her appendix and large bowel – to be replaced with a permanent stoma or ileostomy. More recently she had a second stoma fitted after her bladder also began failing.

Jodie cannot digest food and is instead fed through a line in her neck, which passes into her heart.

Despite the seemingly endless list of medical complications, last year Jodie – with the support of her mum Maxine Farish – set up Jodie’s Journey.

It aims to raise awareness of EDS, as well as funds for The Sick Children’s Trust, which provides accommodation for families of children in hospital.

It was the trust which decided to nominate Jodie for Volunteer Fundraiser of the Year at the first national Charity Staff and Volunteer Awards 2013.

The nomination praised her “tremendous courage and will to raise funds” for the charity, and said she “never shied away from a challenge or from trying something new”.

Run by the Charity Staff Foundation, which offers help, advice and practical support for people in the voluntary sector, the awards celebrate the “outstanding dedication and achievements” of charitable staff and volunteers.

Maxine, 47, said: “Apparently there were hundreds of entries for volunteer fundraiser, but Jodie was shortlisted alongside someone from the Multiple Sclerosis Society and someone from the Guide Dogs for the Blind.

“Jodie and I went down to the awards ceremony in London on Thursday, and I kept telling her that everyone shortlisted is a winner – I didn’t want her to be disappointed.”

To her mum’s delight, Jodie won the category, receiving a special trophy.

The teenager dedicated it to her mum and dad, saying she was “honoured” to receive the award.

“It is lovely to fundraise for The Sick Children’s Trust, because they helped me and my family to stay together,” she said.

“I want to give something back.”

Claudette Watson, chief executive of The Sick Children’s Trust, added: “We are extremely proud of Jodie winning this award. Despite her illness she continues to inspire us with her fundraising efforts for our charity and she really deserves this acknowledgement.”

Jodie got a special treat recently, when she presented her first cheque to The Sick Children’s Trust – accompanied by pop star Ronan Keating.

First published at 09:03, Wednesday, 13 March 2013
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk